We have created an anatomical atlas of the chest and the mediastinum which is an interactive tool for studying the cross-sectional anatomy of the normal thorax based on an enhanced multidetector computed tomography with helical angiography of the thorax (axial plane). Anatomical structures are visible as interactive labelled images.

Cross sectional anatomy: CT of the thorax

A CT was performed on a healthy subject, with an axial enhanced acquisition with different windows: parenchyma and mediastinum.

Data and DICOM images stocked on our PACS (Picture Archiving and Communicating System) were processed and exported as JPEG images.

Adobe Flash and Adobe Photoshop allowed us to develop an atlas-based application with suitable functionality and user interface for exploration of the thorax anatomy.

Anatomical structures were based on the Terminologia Anatomica.

Anatomy atlas - Cross-sectional anatomy : Thorax

Anatomy of the chest: how to visualize anatomic labels

This atlas is a comprehensive and affordable learning tool for medical students and residents and especially for radiologists and pneumologists.
It provides access to CT images in the axial plane, allowing the user to learn and review the lung anatomy interactively. Anatomical structures are labelled, providing an invaluable teaching resource. User progress may be evaluated with the test mode.The horizontal menu allows access to several groups of anatomical structures:

Bronchopulmonary segments - Thorax (CT)

Pulmonary arteries

Pulmonary veins

Segmental bronchi

Arteries of the mediastinum

Veins of the mediastinum

Muscles and layers of the thoracic cavity.

Bones of the thorax

Nerves

As the cursor is moved over an anatomic area of the lung parenchyma, the segment is highlighted and labelled: this tool has been chosen to show segmental lung anatomy (international and Ikeda).

The left vertical menu provides graphics of the bronchi, with anatomical schemas based on a three dimensional (3D) model (based on a volume rendering extracted from CT).